KUCHING (Oct 28): Pay & Go has been appointed as the concessionaire for the Kuching Smart Parking System under the jurisdictions of Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), with full operations scheduled for next January.

Kuching South mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the company was selected through a request for proposal (RFP) process following a comprehensive evaluation of its technical capability, operational experience and financial proposal.

“The implementation will begin with a trial phase starting on Nov 1, 2025.

“This transition coincides with the expiry of the existing parking concession held by Kuching City Parking System Sdn Bhd.

“The concession period spans 10 years, with an option for a five-year extension subject to performance review and mutual agreement,” he said in a press conference at MBKS headquarters today, where Kuching North Datuk Bandar Dato Hilmy Othman was also present.

Adding on, Wee described the smart parking system as representing a significant move towards the digitalisation of municipal services in Sarawak and improved efficiency in urban management.

“It is designed to improve user’s convenience, strengthen enforcement efficiency, and enhance revenue collection for local councils aligning with Sarawak’s smart city and digital economy initiatives.”

According to Wee, the new system uses the GPS-enabled Pay & Go mobile application for parking registration, payment and time extensions.

“The parking rates remain unchanged, including for seasonal and reserved parking,” he added.

Wee said the MBKS and DBKU, together with Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government and Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), would closely monitor the trial phase to ensure smooth transition, minimal disruption, and also strong public communication.

“Public awareness campaigns will also be carried out to guide motorists on registration and usage procedures.”

Meanwhile, Hilmy said that as public services continued to embrace digital transformation, parking management held a vital role in improving daily convenience for residents and visitors while supporting efficient urban mobility and better city planning.

“DBKU is confident that this system will significantly improve user’s convenience through cashless and contactless payments, strengthen enforcement, and ensure greater transparency in revenue management.

“More importantly, it will provide valuable data insights to support urban mobility planning and smart city development for the benefit of Kuching residents and visitors alike,” said Hilmy.

Among others present were Pay & Go chief executive officer Eddie Wee and marketing director Michael Liong.